Pauline Ryba celebrates 100th birthday

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails presented Sandpiper resident Pauline Ryba with a key to the town on the occasion of her 100th birthday. PHOTO PROVIDED

Mayor Billy Swails took time from his busy day recently to honor a cetenarian. Pauline Ryba, resident of the Sandpiper Premier Senior Living Facility, cheerfully accepted a key to Mount Pleasant from Mayor Swails. He also honored her with a certificate from the Mount Pleasant Town Council in recognition of this momentous occasion of celebrating her 100th birthday.

Pauline Ryba was a “Rosie the Riveter” in World War II working nights on fighter planes. She said, “Uncle Sam needed me.” Despite becoming a widow at a young age, Mrs. Ryba was very frugal and eventually had her dream come true of owning and operating a Dairy Queen in snowy Buffalo, N.Y. This allowed her to close for the winter and travel to distant places such as Hawaii, Brazil and the Canadian Rockies.

With her daughter, Marilyn Ryba Blizard living in the Lowcountry, Pauline welcomed the arrangement of coming to be nearby. She’s been a happy resident of Sandpiper for three years.

When handed the key to the town, Mrs. Ryba asked, “And what door will this open?” With a twinkle in his eyes, Mayor Swails replied, “Any door in town.”

Her nurse said with a smile, “We’re going to need to keep an eye on you.” Mrs. Ryba was well pleased at these charming gifts on her special day.

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